Rebuilding homes brings neighborhoods together

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Saturday is National Rebuilding Day and families in our area are getting a home makeover they’ll never forget.

Margaret has lived in her Alexandria house off-and-on since she was 16 years old. She moved out when she got married but returned to care for her elderly parents until they died. Except for occasional visitors, she lives alone and at 81 years old, it’s difficult to maintain the home by herself.

On Saturday, more than 600 volunteers with “Rebuilding Together Alexandria” repaired windows, replaced doors, even planted vegetable gardens for dozens of homeowners who need help, just like Margaret.

“It just has helped me out so much,” she says.

Congressman Jim Moran spoke to the volunteers at a welcome breakfast.

“The idea of going in and transforming somebody’s house transforms their lives, really,” the Virginia Democrat says. “You feel good because you’re doing good.”

The nationwide initiative restores and upgrades homes for low-income, disabled and elderly residents. Most of the homeowners that receive help from Rebuilding Together Alexandria earn less than $25,000 a year. The organization was founded 26 years ago and has worked on more than 1,600 projects in Alexandria.